If you’ve ever seen a comedian perform and found yourself thinking “I bet a therapist would have a field day inside their head” then ‘Shrink Wrapped: A Psychologist* Analyses Comedians, Live On Stage’ is the show for you.
Part comedy act, part social experiment, the show’s premise is exactly as described. Three comedians perform a short set while a trained psychologist watches and analyses their every move before breaking down and exploring their act in an on-stage group therapy session in front of a live audience.
Each night, show creator and star Robyn Perkins is joined on stage by fellow comedian Ethan Cavanagh and a revolving list of guest comedians, with Sweeney Preston completing the line-up on 4 March. Analysing them is behavioural therapist Katie Baylis, a specialist in neurodiversity and neuro-affirming practice with over 20 years of experience in the field. While the comedians are free to speak about a topic of their choice, Baylis focuses on a particular theme each night, with 'Communication' being the focus on 4 March.
A unique and incredibly daunting concept, the show aims to de-stigmatise the idea of therapy by taking this usually private experience and putting it out into the public sphere. The comedians have no idea what Baylis will say or ask during the session, and their willingness to place themselves in such a vulnerable position is inconceivably brave.
Throughout the show, Baylis remains seated on a large, throne-like chair on an elevated platform to the left of stage and this choice to emphasise her presence has an immediate and continuing effect on the comedians. All appeared incredibly nervous from the moment they stepped on stage and were often seen glancing towards Baylis like children looking for approval from a parent.
Perkins delivered a hilarious, yet surprisingly heartwarming performance as she spoke about coming out to her “very American” parents, while Cavanagh’s stories about his mother’s interesting cooking choices were a delight to hear and Preston’s pursuit of the perfect nickname gave the audience a chance to get involved.
While all three were entertaining in their own right, the real fun happened during the group therapy session when they were asked tough questions about how they deal with communicating a conflict to loved ones. Clearly surprised and at times, uncomfortable with the direction Baylis’ questions were heading, the comedians used every tactic in the book – from anxious avoidance, sarcasm and at times blatant attempts to throw each other under the bus – in order to shift the spotlight from themselves. But keen-eyed Baylis saw through every attempt at deflection and her interpretation of these behaviours was surprisingly educational. I even learned a thing or two about my own communication style after watching her dissect Cavanagh’s increasingly avoidant behaviour.
With upcoming themes including trust, confidence and past relationships and a new guest every night, no two experiences will be the same.
